Class mutually beneficial for special education students, high school volunteers

October 22, 2008|By Jo Napolitano, TRIBUNE REPORTER

Annie Miller doesn't usually talk, but her smile said everything Monday morning as she frolicked in a swimming pool at Naperville Central High School.

Clinging to the arms of a high school volunteer twice her size, the 6-year-old girl with developmental challenges looked perfectly at ease.

Annie and six other elementary-age children spend time each week at the school as a part of a new program that matches them with high school students who serve as their mentors in a special physical education class.

Teachers say the program fosters a culture of acceptance and inclusion, an atmosphere that has taken years to build.

In earlier years, high schoolers worked only with students their age, but that changed in September when a special education teacher from Beebe Elementary in Naperville thought her students could benefit, too.

"Some of my little guys are not able to walk independently," said Rose Marie Santelli. "I thought swimming would be a good idea. It made such a difference. They were walking better and were more alert."

Parents say they notice a difference too, that their children seem more engaged with their surroundings.

Annie's mother, Paula, marvels at how devoted the older students are to her daughter, who has a tough time communicating verbally.

"It's the star soccer player, the cool kids who are just loving up these kids," Miller said.

"It's pretty moving."

School officials say the high schoolers are as varied as the children they serve. From athletes and A-students to those struggling with grades and family troubles, they all relate to the kids they work with.

Teens wanting to volunteer for the program must submit a letter to the high school's physical education teacher -- who specializes in working with children with special needs -- explaining why they want to join.

The class, dubbed adapted physical education, meets twice a week and counts as a high school elective. The program has grown so popular that the school has had to turn away volunteers.

Anthony Lopez, a 17-year-old senior, said it's his favorite class.

Like most volunteers, he said he has learned as much from the experience as the students he helps.

"I don't see them as special needs kids, but as friends," he said, adding that they have imparted a critical lesson. "You can help anybody, no matter what their situation is."

Senior Michelle Papania, 17, said the program has reinforced her desire to work with children.

Papania, who hopes to become a pediatric nurse, said her hands-on interaction with thechildren has provided more valuable experience than any textbook.